Byrne may hold off search for replacement

Times Staff Reports

Friday

Apr 25, 2008 at 12:01 AM

Alabama Community College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne said Thursday that because of three other presidential vacancies at two-year schools, he may hold off starting a presidential search for Gadsden State Community College until early next year.That would require the appointment of an interim or acting president, he said.He said Renée Culverhouse, who announced Thursday she would retire at the end of the year as GSCC’s president, has discussed the issue of her retirement because of health reasons on the advice of her doctor many times.“I’ve been very concerned about her health,” Byrne said. “I knew her when I was on the (state school) board. She has oneof the largest colleges in the system. It’s been a joy to work with her because of her effective operation of the college.“Gadsden State Community College will lose an energetic and dedicated president when Renée Culverhouse steps down at the end of this year. I know this is difficult for her and I understand her reasons for retiring.”In a resignation letter to Byrne dated Wednesday and presented at Thursday’s state board meeting in Hoover, Culverhouse cited continued and serious illness as her reason for ending her presidency effective Dec. 31. Byrne was unable to attend the board meeting because of a family emergency.Byrne said other presidential searches are scheduled for Bevill State Community College, Southern Union Community College and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.Culverhouse was selected to serve as Gadsden State’s fifth president in September 2001. Etowah County Probate Judge Bobby Junkins, a member of the presidential search committee that selected Culverhouse, said in a press release by GSCC, “This is a tremendous loss for our community. President Culverhouse’s leadership took the college to a higher level of growth through education in health care, workforce development and community involvement.” Community leader and former educator Katherine Barrett said, “My relationship with Renée has been one of exceptional goodwill. Her accomplishments have made a positive impact on our community. My best wishes are extended to her for a great retirement.”Workforce development was a primary focus for Culverhouse, which culminated in 2007 with the establishment of the Workforce Development Partnership in Etowah County. Because of the increase in demand for high-tech jobs in Alabama, Culverhouse continued to promote a curriculum devoted to meeting the needs of area industries.“She was truly a president driven by purpose,” Gadsden City School Superintendent Bob Russell said. “I appreciate the great educational relationships that she fostered and feel confident that she will encourage her successor to continue to support our future endeavors.”During her administration, Gadsden State developed a Skills Training Division. Since the start of this division in May 2002, more than 1,000 students have taken advantage of the short-term training to improve their job skills.Culverhouse was also instrumental in the merger with Ayers State Technical College in Anniston and opening the McClellan Center.“She has been a huge asset to our community,” said Susan Miller, chairwoman of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. “The improvements she helped make at Ayers and McClellan will have a long-lasting impact on the Anniston area.” Gadsden State Cherokee in Centre will open in the fall offering a variety of courses. Culverhouse has worked with Cherokee County leaders to make this a reality.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.